Mid Atlantic Wake Surf Championship Tour

What is the Mid Atlantic Wakesurf Championship?

For those not familiar with the world of wakesurfing, wakesurfing itself is a water sport in which a rider trails behind a boat, riding the boat’s wake without being directly pulled by the boat. This years event will take place on Friday-Saturday, June 9 & 10th. There were about 70 riders last year and at least 70-80 are expected this year.

Owner of NC Marine, Brandon Patrick says that while the event offers a great opportunity for riders to win prizes and earn points that help them advance for the world finals, he primarily started the tournament “to get a lot a of new people on the water to learn about the sport and to offer an opportunity to bring the entire Hyco Lake community together.”

Brandon and his team do that by providing a free, family-friendly event featuring jump houses, water mats on the water, music, entertainment, giveaways throughout the day, food for sale and of course, a chance to hang out with professional and semi-professional riders. “They’re there on the shore just hanging out with all the people,” says Brandon. “You can literally walk right up to them, take pictures with them, shake their hands, get autographs, talk and ask questions.”

Learn to Wake Surf or Wakeboard

If you’re interested in learning how to wakesurf or wakeboard, the event offers something for you as well. Some of the wakesurf riders will be giving paid lessons the days before the event and possibly afterwards. Simply contact Brandon at ncmarinesales@gmail.com, and he will get back to you with pricing information and to schedule a time. There will also be a free wakeboarding clinic running throughout the day during the event on Saturday where you can learn how to wakeboard and do tricks as well as see how one of the newest boats performs.

According to Brandon, that’s one of the benefits of hosting the event for his company. “It lets us showcase the new boat lineup in front of avid riders, boat owners and spectators of all ages, and it allows us to get feedback on performance, looks and quality of the lineup from the people that ride and buy the products daily.”

A Premiere Event for Competitors

While it’s all about fun for everyone watching, there will be some serious and not so serious competition going on, on the water. The tournament offers several divisions from Master Mens & Womens, Pro Mens & Womens, Semi Pro Mens & Womens, Amateur Mens & Womens, Adaptive, to Youth Boys & women. From youth, where the riders get points for reaching down and touching the water; to the semi-pro “throwing tricks;” to the professionals showing everyone how it’s done, Brandon says the spectators and other riders themselves will get a chance to experience wakesurfing at its best.

Another fact that Brandon is extremely proud of is that his tournament offers quality prizes for competitors at all levels, not just the pros. The Pro Men’s and Women’s divisions in both surf and skim will be competing for significant payouts, while all of the other classes will be working toward winning surf boards, traction pads, fat sacs, board bags, hats, surf ropes, prize bags, gift cards and a trophy built by Gatorstep.

Local Economic Impact

The riders and spectators aren’t the only ones benefiting from the tournament being held at Hyco Lake. The local economy comes out a winner as well. Brandon uses local vendors as much as possible for the event itself, and since it starts early on Saturday morning, competitors usually come in the night before. They stay at area hotels and campgrounds and have plenty of time to eat locally. Then, because the awards ceremony is held Saturday evening, most stay a second night and get some time in on the water on Sunday before they leave. Area homeowners can even benefit. If you have a home that you’re willing to rent out for the weekend, feel free to contact Brandon at ncmarinesales@gmail.com and let him know.